KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, NOVEMBER 8, 2015
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
A warm welcome to visitors. We invite you to sign our Guest Book
in the entranceway and fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate.
8:30 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Announcements
The Lord’s Greeting and Morning Prayer
*Morning Praise
Scripture John 18:33-38a (p. 767)
Message “What Is Truth?”
Prayer of Thanks
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments in the Fellowship Room
downstairs today following worship.
Ushers today are Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, Dick Silvano, Andrew Welcome.
Greeters today Mike Deegan and Donna Rhodes.
Preschool Nursery facilities available downstairs.
Prelude He Is Lord (#97) Majesty (#98)
Announcements
Welcome, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Psalm 100
PASTOR: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
ALL: Come and worship the Lord with gladness.
WOMEN: Come into the presence of the Lord with singing.
MEN: Know that the Lord is God.
PASTOR: It is he that made us.
DEACONS: And we are his.
ELDERS: We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
PASTOR: Let us enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
ALL: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God and bless his holy name.
MEN: For the Lord is good.
WOMEN: The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever,
and his faithfulness is to all generations.
ALL: Come, let us worship our Lord, Christ the King!
*Hymn of Invitation to Worship #108 Come, Christians, Join to Sing
*For those who are able, please stand.
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call To Confession Based on Psalm 130
If the Lord should mark our iniquities, then who could stand before the Lord? Instead, the Lord offers forgiveness to us so that God may be revered. Trusting in that forgiveness, let us confess our sins.
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Gracious God, forgive us. We place our trust in things that are fleeting, rather than in you and the sure promises you offer. We focus on the things that are before us, getting bogged down in the mundane and the trials of the moment. We fail to remember to set our sights on you. Forgive our doubt, our lack of hope, our fear. Restore our hope in those things unseen by our eyes. Revitalize our faith. Renew our hearts that we might worship you fully. Redeem us so we can be a sign of your love to others who doubt. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)
Beloved, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. It is he who will redeem us from all our iniquities.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Sermon and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
Lord Jesus, draw each of these children face-to-face with you and reveal your truth to their minds and hearts. May they acknowledge your kingship over their lives and experience your goodness, your love, and the glory of your presence within them. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination and Scripture John 18:33-38a (p. 767)
Message “What Is Truth?”
Prayer of Blessing
Celebrating God
Offering and Offertory) The King Is Coming W. & G. Gaither/H. Milhuff
*Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Almighty God, from you comes every good and perfect gift, for which we give you praise and thanks. Your love created us, your bounty sustains us, your discipline chastens us, and your grace redeems us. Give us a heart to love you and to show our thankfulness by dedicating ourselves and all that we have to your will and service, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. Amen.
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn of Exhortation #103 Ye Servants of God
*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace
Postlude King of Kings and Lord of Lords (#110)
KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as front-door greeters for our
10 am worship services. Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.
~ NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2016 CONSISTORY ~
All active KRC members should have received their ballots and informational letters for nominating members to serve on the 2016 Consistory. If you have not received yours, please contact Paul following today’s service. All nomination ballots must be returned and in the hands of the election stewards by next Sunday, November 15, in order to be included in the nomination process.
~THANK YOU TO BAZAAR / CRAFTS FAIR VOLUNTEERS~
The Olde Dutch & Such organizing committee would like to thank all the volunteers for the hours they put into making KRC’s 4th Annual Bazaar such a success. We won't mention names for fear of leaving someone out, but we are so appreciative of all who helped. Of course, we're also thankful for all who came and purchased items from the bazaar and enjoyed the fellowship of the event! Please join us in praising God for all those who have dedicated themselves to this ministry.
~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~
Recent weekly offerings ($2,805 this past week) continue to fall below our weekly need of $3,000. These shortfalls have once more placed us in a budget deficit: Total Income-to-Date = $141,000; Total Expenses-to-Date = $145,000. Regular contributors are again reminded to “double up” on their giving if they miss a Sunday, and Stewardship Ministry asks that everyone prayerfully consider how they might adjust their giving to help us keep income at a level that will meet daily operating expenses.
In light of the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,
let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need
to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.
~STEWARDSHIP TO HOST 2nd 2016 BUDGET WORKSHOP~
All who are interested in learning more about and contributing to the budget process are welcome to attend the second 2016 Budget Workshop hosted by the Stewardship Ministry at 6:30 p.m. this coming Tuesday, November 10. The budget workshops will contribute significantly to the creation of KRC’s budget for next year, and members from each ministry are especially encouraged to participate.
~VALATIE FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING BASKETS~
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family and Friends,
Thanksgiving Food Baskets will be given again to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one. Last year, Thanksgiving baskets were given to 132 families (484 people), and we anticipate about the same this year. The baskets will contain everything needed for Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and brownies. The Pantry buys all food items in bulk, and if you would like to help financially, checks may be made payable to “Kinderhook Reformed Church” with “Thanksgiving Baskets” on the memo line and dropped into the offering plate. Thank you in advance for any help you are able to give. Any monies or food items left over after the baskets are distributed will be put into the pantry account or onto the pantry shelves.
Sincerely, Jean S. Norton, for the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry
The Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry is a not-for-profit charitable organization. It does not provide any goods or services, in whole or partial consideration, for contributions given.
~OUTREACH MINISTRY’S THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES~
Along with the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry’s financial appeal in support of its Thanksgiving Food Basket program, KRC’s Outreach Ministry is once again collecting Thanksgiving food items for the pantry. THE DRIVE WILL END NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, so please place your bagged donations in the foyer on or before that date. Suggested food items most needed are CANNED SWEET POTATOES and YAMS; PUMPKIN; CANNED VEGETABLES; CRANBERRY SAUCE; STUFFING MIX; WHITE, BLACK, and RED KIDNEY BEANS; EVAPORATED MILK; FLOUR; SUGAR; BROWNIE MIX; PUMPKIN PIE MIX; GROUND COFFEE; CEREAL; and DISH SOAPS. Otherwise, bring in whatever your heart moves you to provide - any nonperishable food items will be welcomed! AS A RESULT OF LAST YEAR’S FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE, MANY NEEDY FAMILIES IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES ENJOYED GREAT THANKSGIVING DINNERS, AND KRC CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO THIS MINISTRY. LET’S MAKE THIS YEAR EVEN BETTER! BAGS FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR GIFTS FROM MARKET TO CHURCH, INCLUDING SHOPPING LISTS, MAY BE FOUND ON THE BACK TABLE.
~NEW BIBLE STUDY GROUPS TO BEGIN~
A number of people in our KRC family have expressed interest in forming new Bible study groups. For those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity, a survey sheet is available on the back table of the sanctuary for indicating interest and noting days and times convenient for you to participate.
HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Fred Hickman (3rd), Ted Call (11th), Joy Bertram (14th),
Claudia March (22nd), Joan Van Alstyne (26th)
CELEBTRATE THE SEASON
~CCRM MEN’S and WOMEN’S GIFT PROGRAM BEGIN TODAY~
LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer”. BEGINNING TODAY, NOVEMBER 8, KRC will again be collecting gifts for homeless men, and Capital City Rescue Mission will distribute these gifts at the Mission’s community Christmas dinners. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one knitted hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves – no MEDIUM please; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt - no peanuts or chocolate, please. Wrap with festive paper (NO BOWS), tape securely, mark LG or XLG on the outside of package, and return to the church collection boxes by Sunday, December 6.
For the women, CCRM has suggested that we send “colorful, cozy, fuzzy” non-skid slipper socks, a fun yet practical gift for the ladies housed at the mission. These socks are not readily found in the local stores, but are available online at very reasonable prices and free shipping. If you would like to contribute to this gift idea, make checks payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church, with “Slipper Socks” in the memo line, and the church will purchase the socks online using your contributions.
ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
The Angel Tree Program, founded by ex-convict, Mary Kay Beard, has been part of Prison Fellowship's work for 34 years. This ministry has served millions of children and brought the love of Christ, as well as reconciliation, to countless homes during the Christmas season.
Mary Kay was a safe-cracker, a bank robber, and one of America’s Most Wanted. Arrested in June, 1972, she quickly collected 11 federal indictments and 35 charges against her. But her 180-year sentence turned into a six-year sentence, during which time she asked God to change her hardened heart. And that's exactly what happened. Through her experience in prison, Mary Kay gained a deep appreciation for the estrangement and brokenness prisoners suffer from being separated from their families. When a parent is sentenced to prison, he or she is not the only one being punished. The children suffer too, and it is especially tough for them at Christmas time. Mary Kay also saw how a simple act of giving and receiving a gift can renew hope and bring change to the lives of those on both sides of the bars. That's why she founded Angel Tree, and why she considers it perhaps the greatest way God has used her since he first changed her heart in prison. "I am both awed and humbled to have been a part of something so enormously effective," says Mary. "Being there at the beginning, I consider it one of the highest privileges of my life." For Mary, Angel Tree represents an awe-inspiring testimony to prisoners and their families of the Gospel: "The very first Christmas gift," she reminds us, "was a child." For those desperate for forgiveness and those desperate for a parent's love, the simple opportunity to give or receive a gift at Christmas not only breaks down the barriers which isolate family members in prison from those outside, but makes the story of a God, who loves us no matter what, come powerfully to life.
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners will be displayed on angel cut-outs on a Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance beginning Sunday, November 29. Each angel will contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please consider taking an angel when the tree goes up. Your gifts will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Volunteers will also be needed to participate in the delivery of the gifts to local Angel Tree families. Please see Sara Hartman at church, or call 828-6368 or 917-538-6576, if you would be willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.
~REFORMED CHURCH AT MUITZESKILL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR~
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill invites you to visit its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 5th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road and Muitzeskill Road in Schodack Landing. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently-used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, and books, as well as a luncheon cafe and a bake sale. We look forward to seeing you there!
A NOTE OF THANKS FROM CCRM
THANK YOU! Your support of Capital City Rescue Mission’s recent Silent Auction and Banquet helped raise over $111,000 to purchase “Windows for Women” in CCRM’s expanded housing facility now under reconstruction for needy women.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. Pray especially for Amber, that she will come to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Pray also that God will provide opportunities for us to witness for Jesus, and give us the courage and winsome words needed to make the most of these opportunities
KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s youth group; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday, and other outreach programs.
KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
our state, national, and world leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace, especially Jason, just beginning his military career, and Tom Eastman, fulfilling a tour of military duty in Afghanistan.
victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies: earthquakes, famine, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression and unrest; warfare and terrorism.
those grieving the death of loved ones.
those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
Florence Rivera, undergoing temporary dialysis to control fluid retention problems.
those in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: Elizabeth Clinton; Susan Lamont's sister; a friend of Erika Johnson; Cheryl Johnson; Diane, friend of Cricket Warren; Jack; Bob Mellott; Daniel; Andy; Lucy; Rodrigo; Jean; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene; Donna Scalera; Bill Metzger; TJ Vooris; Chris Howard and his young son, Jonah.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Eric; Maryann; Linda, co-worker of Noreen Dick and Merrill Johnson; Gary Silvano; Vicki Metzger; Rev. Ed Van Kampen; Noreen, mother of Maureen Mooney; Stacey Baker; Ann, sister of Nancy Baker; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Jane Smith; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
reassurance, peace, and dignity for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Cliff Laraway; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of beginning a higher level of education or seeking a career - pray that God will provide them with wisdom in making the many choices and decisions before them; Greg L; 16-year-old pregnant teenager, whose unborn baby has an irregular heartbeat and may not survive; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
Residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Doris Schmieder, Joan Van Alstyne.
Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
the good news that recent tests on Donna Scalera’s lung returned negative.
the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and special events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who always offer whatever support they can to those in need.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;
Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson
Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany
Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:
Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya
Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio
Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission
Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary
Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators
Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas
Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission
EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is available at his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside
for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
KRC 2015 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory
Deacons
Liz Carroll – ’16, Clerk of Consistory / Outreach /CITV Committee 758-6034
Noreen Dick – ’15, Church Family 758-6640
Derick LaTorre – ’16, KRC Treasurer / Stewardship / Cemetery 376-1882
Barbara Vosburgh – ’15, Property 758-6512
Elders
Merrill Johnson – ‘16, Worship 828-6726
Patrice Lyons – ‘16, Outreach 758-8400
Dawn Van Buren – ‘15, Personnel / Pastoral Care 758-7564
Patti Varga – ’15 Consistory Vice President /Christian Education / Classis Delegate 392-4771
KRC STAFF
KRC Office Manager KRC Office Assistant
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Liz Carroll – 758-6034
Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Mike Deegan
COMING EVENTS
Today, November 8 CCRM Men’s & Women’s Gift Programs Begin
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
3:00 pm CITV concert, Handel, The Power of Musick, @KRC
Mon., November 9
6:30 pm Consistory meets
Tues., November 10
6:30 pm Youth Group meets @KRC
Thur., November 12
9:00 am Small Group Bible Study meets
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Sun., November 15
Consistory Nominee Ballots Due
Thanksgiving Food Drive for Valatie Food Pantry Ends
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service - New members received; Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Mon., November 23
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Sun., November 29 First Sunday in Advent
Angel Tree Program Underway
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Sat., December 5
10:00 am – 2:00 pm Reformed Church at Muitzeskill Christmas Bazaar
Sun., December 6 CCRM Men’s & Women’s Gifts Due at KRC
Servers Next Sunday, November 15, 2015
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, Chip Wood
Greeter(s): Johnathan and Jennifer Pratt
